England secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an extraordinary 6–4 victory over France, recording the nation’s best finish at the tournament since lifting the trophy in 1966.
It was a thrilling contest that showcased England’s attacking quality—but it also highlighted just how influential Virgil van Dijk has been for Ibrahima Konaté throughout their time together at Liverpool.
For many Liverpool supporters watching, however, the story carried an added layer of emotion.
Following Konaté’s decision to leave Anfield for Real Madrid on a free transfer, many fans felt little sympathy as the defender endured one of his toughest afternoons in recent memory.
England Make a Flying Start
The Three Lions were outstanding in the opening 45 minutes, racing into a commanding 4–0 lead.
Goals from:
● Declan Rice
● Ezri Konsa
● Bukayo Saka (2)
left France shell-shocked and seemingly out of the contest.
England’s intensity, movement and clinical finishing overwhelmed the reigning world champions.
France Fight Back
The second half produced a remarkable spectacle.
France rallied through two goals from Kylian Mbappé, with Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé also finding the net.
Mbappé’s brace saw him become the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer with 22 goals, moving one ahead of Lionel Messi.
England, though, always had an answer.
Bukayo Saka completed his hat-trick before Jude Bellingham scored his seventh goal of the tournament in stoppage time—the most ever by an England player at a single World Cup.
A Difficult Day for Konaté
From a Liverpool perspective, much of the attention centred on Ibrahima Konaté.
Without Virgil van Dijk alongside him, the French defender struggled to cope with England’s movement and pace.
France looked vulnerable throughout much of the match, with Konaté unable to impose himself in the way Liverpool supporters had become accustomed to seeing.
Eventually, he was substituted as France searched for answers.
Van Dijk’s Importance Becomes Clear
One performance should never define a player, and Konaté has consistently shown his quality over the years.
However, the game served as another reminder of the influence Virgil van Dijk has on those around him.
Van Dijk’s organisation, leadership and positioning often bring calmness to Liverpool’s defence.
Without that presence, Konaté appeared far less assured, and France’s defensive structure suffered as a result.
Little Sympathy from Many Liverpool Supporters
Normally, Liverpool supporters would back one of their own through a difficult performance.
This time, the reaction was noticeably different.
After leaving Liverpool on a free transfer to join Real Madrid, many fans felt disappointed by the manner of his departure.
That disappointment meant there was little sympathy from sections of the Liverpool fanbase as he endured a difficult evening on the international stage.
Social media quickly filled with comments from supporters pointing out how important Van Dijk had been to Konaté’s performances at club level, with many arguing that this match highlighted just how much the Dutch captain had elevated those around him.
Looking Ahead
For Liverpool, the focus has already shifted to the future.
Konaté has moved on, and the club will now look to build a new defensive partnership capable of maintaining the standards expected at Anfield.
As for France, this was simply a day where they were second best.
For England, it was a memorable victory that secured a historic third-place finish.
And for many Liverpool supporters, it was a reminder that football moves quickly—and that decisions made in the transfer market can shape how players are viewed long after they leave.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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